Sex offender held in assault at Rec Center

The Sterling Police Department announced today that a registered sex offender is being held following an incident at Sterling Recreation Center.

According to a press release, SPD was called to the Rec Center, 808 Elm St., at 3:06 p.m. Monday on a possible sex assault on a child. Police were told that an adult male had asked to hug a 9-year-old boy; while hugging the man fondled the child's genitalia. Another 10-year-old child reported being grabbed on the shoulders by the man. A third child, 11 years old, reported that the man watched him while he was showering in his bathing suit and also asked to hug him; the man did not hug or touch the 11-year-old child.

The release states that the SPD immediately began investigating and working to determine the identity and location of the adult male. They identified the man as Gerald Ray Marquardt, 43, using surveillance video from the Rec Center and by speaking with staff, who viewed photos of registered sex offenders, according to Major Scott Annable. SPD then learned Marquardt had just been taken into custody for an unrelated incident by another agency. "Sterling Police ascertained he would remain in custody, thus assuring community safety while an arrest warrant was obtained," the release states. Annable said he was unable to release any information about the other incident.

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The warrant was obtained Tuesday on the charges of sexual assault on a child, a class 4 felony; and harassment, a class 3 misdemeanor. He is being held without bond pending judicial advisement.

Marquardt is a sex offender registered with the Logan County Sheriff's Office for sexual assault on a child and sexual assault in the third degree. His registered residence is in Atwood.

RE-1 Valley School District has announced its policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free and reduced price meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program.
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